Back-Post’s Alternative Premier League Team of the Season

On April 20th, the official PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2017 was announced amid the usual fanfare and camera flashes. The final selection always stirs up healthy debate on who should or shouldn’t have been included. The team they went for was as follows:

And while the inclusion of some of those players is fully justified, there are also some players many would think are lucky to be included.

Here at Back-Post we would like to offer our Alternative Premier League of the Season – we will select a completely different XI made up of players who we feel deserve some recognition for the terrific seasons they had. With just a couple more rounds of Premier League games to play, it’s safe to say no players will emerge as late team of the season candidates at this juncture. You can still find terrific odds and offers for those upcoming games at https://sport.netbet.co.uk/football/

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton (Burnley)

31 year old Tom Heaton’s highlight reel for the 2016/17 will be a terrific watch for any fans of goalkeeping super saves. Burnley’s number one has had an excellent season between the sticks at Turf Moor.

Right Back: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Ok, it might be a bit of cop out to select the right back of new crowned champions Chelsea, but the Spaniard has played in 37 of Chelsea’s 37 league games so far and hasn’t really put a foot wrong. He should have been in ahead of Walker in the official team if we’re being blunt.

Centre Back: Toby Alderweireld (Spurs)

How on earth this guy missed out on the official team I’ll never know. He’s been an absolute rock for Spurs all season beside his Belgian compatriot Vertonghen.

Centre Back: Michael Keane (Burnley)

It might seem strange to have 2 Burnley players in the defensive unit for an alternative team of the year, but Keane has put in some really commanding and impressive individual performances this season, earning himself a call up to the full England squad.

Left Back: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)

Every bit the modern full-back, Bertrand has been effective in both defence and attack for the Saints this campaign and the former Chelsea youngsters is one of the league’s most complete players in his position.

Midfield: Christen Eriksen (Spurs)

Eriksen is the man who makes Spurs tick, he is the focal point for everything they do. All of Spurs good work seems to involve him in some way. His personality probably means he flies under the radar a little, but Eriksen is one of the Premierships most consistent players.

Midfield: Nathan Redmond (Southampton)

While tricky winger Redmond’s final delivery can be hot and cold, he remains the archetypal wide-man, causing every team he plays against multiple headaches with his pace and ability to glide past opponents.

Midfield: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea)

The talismanic Icelandic schemer has provided 9 goals and 13 assists in another productive season in Wales. He may well fancy another crack at playing for a bigger club, but his influence cannot be understated. He played a huge part in helping to maintain Swansea’s Premier League survival.

Midfield: Son Heun-Min (Spurs)

Having started just 21 of Spurs league games this season, you could argue that Son has played a bit-part role in a sense, but the South Korean’s 12 goals helped Spurs to their best ever Premier League finish, while his dazzling displays have made him a cult hero in North London.

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd)

What can you say about Zlatan? The veteran striker produced time and time again in his debut season in England before injury cut his campaign short. The 35 year old scored 17 times in the league in what has been a very frustrating domestic season for the Red Devils.

Striker: Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)

Completing our ageing front two is Jermain Defoe who was the one shining light in a season of darkness and despair for the Black Cats. The former England international scored 15 times in the league, more than half of Sunderland’s goals during their dismal Premier League season.